Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $64.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Chico, CA runs $64.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,215 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.2, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,924 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Chico, California, offers occupational therapists a competitive hourly pay, with a median rate of $64.04. This figure surpasses the national median hourly rate of $49.71 by a significant margin. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this median translates to a robust earning potential, particularly in popular settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient hand therapy clinics, and schools. The hourly pay range reflects a spectrum of experience and specialization, with entry-level therapists starting around $50.49 and more experienced professionals earning up to $71.19 per hour. These numbers are based on the latest projections from 2025 BLS data, indicating how valuable occupational therapists are in this region.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.49 | $403.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.85 | $414.80 |
| Median (P50) | $64.04 | $512.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.28 | $538.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.19 | $569.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $64.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.04/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $133,206 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,850. With a cost-of-living index of 101.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,561.66 | $11,101 | $133,206 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,537.00 | $6,660 | $79,924 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,024.66 | $4,440 | $53,283 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Chico) | $64.04 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Chico, CA earn a median of $133,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.83% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 5.30% above the California state average of $126,510.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.04/hr = $79,924/year (purchasing power: $78,978).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,206/year (purchasing power: $131,631).
CoL index: 101.197 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Chico grew 22.1% from $50.91/hr (2019) to $62.14/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.00/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Chico
On an annual basis, a part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours a week earns a respectable sum, but it pales in comparison to the full-time potential. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Chico typically falls between $50-$75 per hour, while specialized hand therapists with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can command rates as high as $80-$110 per hour. Travel contracts can significantly enhance earnings, offering anywhere from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, making the choice between per diem work and full-time roles a critical consideration. Variability in hourly rates can also arise from the type of employer, with facilities such as hospitals and home health agencies presenting different pay scales. While some occupational therapists may choose lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer the freedom of higher rates without such perks. Negotiation strategies in Chico, especially for hourly workers, often hinge on demonstrating specialized skills and flexibility in scheduling, positioning therapists to capitalize on the growing demand for their services.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Chico in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Chico?
Are occupational therapists in Chico paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Chico?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Chico?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Chico. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov